St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: Palm Sunday 13 April at 10.45am – Holy Communion Rev Robert Williamson
- Wednesday 16 April at 7pm – Compline for Lent
- Good Friday 18 April at 2pm – Reflection with Rev Robert Williamson, an hour long quiet service of readings, prayers and thoughts on the events of Good Friday.
- Easter Eve celebrations – Saturday 19 April at 7pm – Easter Vigil and Choral Eucharist for Easter with Rev Robert Williamson. Starting with readings, prayers and choral pieces, that leads to the lighting of the ‘Easter Fire’ outside, which is brought in to light all the church candles, including one each for everyone who is there. Then, in this blaze of light, begins the Easter Choral Eucharist, sung by the full Choir to the wonderfully joyous setting of the Mass in A by Eduard Rottmanner (1809-1843). A very special service indeed, which is undoubtedly one of the highlights of our church calendar and to which everyone is very warmly invited. A finger buffet with wine completes the evening!
- Easter Sunday 20 April – No Service
- Thursday 24 April at 11am, Morning Prayer, Revd Dawn Ward, followed by fellowship and refreshments
- Sunday 27 April at 10.45am – Holy Communion Rev Robert Williamson.
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New Services for St Columba’s
The Revd Dawn Ward is launching two new services at St Columba’s Church. The first weekly morning prayer service will be held at 11am on Thursday 24 April. after which there’ll be refreshments and a chance to chat with friends and neighbours. The short service will be around 30 minutes long. Everyone is invited to join this new weekly service and Revd dawn would love to see you there.
The second extra service, which will feature the Book of Common Prayer and at which Holy Communion will be available, will be led by Revd Dawn at 8.30am on the first Sunday of every month starting on 4 May, This will also last around 30 minutes and hopefully this short early service might appeal to those for whom Sundays can otherwise be a very busy day.
These new services will be incorporated into the regular service listing in Sunday Emails.
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Wedding Open Day at Catton Hall
TODAY: Sunday 13 April between 11am and 2pm. The new wedding and events location at Catton Hall is holding an open day on the brand new venue will be available for inspection and the range of ‘stretch tents’ available will be showcased. Free entry.
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Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 13 April – the quiz will be held at 8pm in the Village Hall.
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Last Sunday’s excellent quiz was set by Alan and won by a team with the name ‘Annonymouses’, comprising of Dave, Jean, Mike and Kate. Well done the winners and everyone else who took part.
Here are a few of the questions from the quiz to test your knowledge. See the answers at the end of today’s email.
1. Which England Football manager was compared to a turnip?
2. Who came first, Edward II or George II?
3. What is called a “willy willy” by Australian Aborigines?
4. Which horror film star’s real name was William Pratt?
5. Which horse won the 1993 Grand national?
6. What is the name of Israel’s international airport?
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Katie Hewison – Funeral Details
TOMORROW: Monday 14 April – A reminder that the funeral of Katie Hewison will take place at 2.30pm at Maple Park Crematorium, near Skipton-on-Swale.
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The Toll Booth
In last week’s Sunday Email there was a report from the Parish Council’s discussion that took place on Thursday 3 April in the Village Hall. For the avoidance of any doubt, this report was prepared by the Parish Council and reflected its view of what happened at the meeting. It should probably have been made more clear that the report was the Parish Council’s view and not that of the editor of the Sunday Email.
Some residents have subsequently suggested that the Parish Council’s summary report of their meeting did not fully reflect the discussion, as they had understood it on the day.
Last Sunday evening (6 April) a small group of residents met at The Angel Inn to discuss the Parish Council’s stance in relation to the future of the Toll Booth and to consider what actions they might take to help secure the future of Topcliffe’s most historic building.
This group has called itself the Toll Booth Group and they are now looking at how the premises might be better used and investigating potential funding streams that could be tapped to help maintain the fabric of the building.
The group has asked for sight of the Parish Council’s minutes of 3 April as well as posing a number of questions that will enable them to make progress.
The group will ensure all residents will have ample opportunity to add their input to the proceedings over the coming months. Further updates on the Toll Booth will appear in the Sunday Email.
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New members needed for Village Hall Committee
The last two Sunday Emails have carried an appeal to residents to find a couple of volunteers to join the Village Hall Committee. Unfortunately the appeal appears to have fallen on deaf ears, which is a great shame.
The Village Hall can only exist and flourish if residents are prepared to give their time and are prepared to undertake basic committee roles to ensure the hall is run effectively and efficiently. Everyone loves having the fantastic facilities available for community and social events, but without the direct support of hard-working volunteers the building cannot operate smoothly.
Will you consider joining the committee and making an important contribution to village life? The committee meets six times a year and deals with the management and upkeep of the Village Hall, as well as the organisation of events and activities. If you are interested or would like to talk about what is involved, please get in touch with our chairperson, Richard Byas, on 07801 721528 or by email at rtbyas@outlook.com
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News from Asenby
Here’s a brief note about recent activity in Asenby. Eight more fruit trees have been planted in the Community Park this last week. They consist of pear, eating apple and plum. Their fruit will benefit the villagers in the next couple of years.
The three-storey Bug & Beetle Hotel constructed behind the bus shelter is now operational and is already attracting guests! It will soon be joined by bird boxes on the surrounding trees.
The deliberate setting on fire of the abandoned caravan on the outskirts of the village the night before it was due to be towed away by North Yorkshire Council has resulted in a terrible mess. Asenby Parish Council is working to have the area cleaned up, including the removal of a large number of empty Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) canisters which were also left on the site some weeks ago.
The Parish Council is planning to hold an annual parish meeting on Tuesday 27 May and the next normal Parish Council meeting on Wednesday 4 June. Both will be held at 7pm and held in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.
From now on, Parish Council meetings will be held quarterly on the first Wednesday in the months of June, September, December and March.
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Planning application near Asenby
The deadline for comments on an application for the construction of a large agricultural shed on land adjacent to Asenby Allotments on Wide Howe Lane has been extended to Thursday 1 May. This follows some confusion created by planners who suggested the site was in Rainton. Late last week a green planning notice finally went up on the correct site.
Asenby Parish Council and a number of village residents have already submitted objections on the basis size, scale and potential for development ‘creep’ in this sensitive area. The reference to look for on North Yorkshire Council’s website is ZC25/00747/FUL.
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Bird count results are out
The results of the RSPB’s annual garden bird count were published yesterday. Nearly 600,000 people took part in the survey late January and in total they counted over nine billion birds. The ten most counted birds in the UK were – house sparrows, blue tits, woodpigeon, starlings, blackbirds, robins, great tits, goldfinches, magpies and long-tailed tits.
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Soup & Sweet Lunch
The first Soup and Sweet lunch of spring will be held on Wednesday 16 April, from 11.30am to 1pm. There’ll be hearty soup choices with extras such as sausage rolls, followed by a variety of cakes and bakes and tea or coffee. All welcome. There’s no set charge, but donations are welcome to help pay the rental cost of hiring the Village Hall and for essential food and drink items that must be purchased for each lunch.
Last week’s lunch was attended by 38 people and £113 was collected in donations. Of this sum, £50 was given to the Herriot Hospice in Thirsk and the remainder was used to pay the hall rent, pay for some food items with the balance was added to the Warm Hub Community Fund.
Don’t forget that residents of Topcliffe and Asenby can have lunch delivered if they are housebound – either on a short-term basis because of illness, or longer-term. If you wish to have a delivery please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426.
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Bingo
The next bingo session will be held at 1pm, immediately after the Soup & Sweet lunch on Wednesday 16 April…but only if there are enough participants to make it worthwhile.
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Easter in the Park
The Parish Council is planning an Easter Picnic in the Community Park on Sunday 20 April starting at 2.30pm. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic. There’ll be various Easter-themed games with prizes. Come along and celebrate Easter with your friends and neighbours.
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Forest School family Sessions
Are your children Curious by Nature? If so, they’ll enjoy the first Forest School Family Session at Willow View Farm on Catton Lane, Topcliffe which will be held on Saturday, 26 April. Take your little explorers and discover the wonders of nature as a family. These family-friendly sessions will be packed with outdoor activities, adventure and hands-on learning in the farm’s beautiful surroundings. 9:30am to 11am. Book online at http://www.curiousbynature.simplybook.me
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Topcliffe Parish Council
The next meeting of Topcliffe Parish Council will be on Thursday 1 May at 7pm in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.
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Comedy Night at The Angel
Tickets are already selling well for the next Comedy Bites evening at The Angel at Topcliffe. The show is on Thursday 8 May. Doors: 7:30pm (for an 8pm start). The show will feature
Rob Deering, Pete Selwood and Pete Otway. Tickets are £12 in advance or £15 on the door. http://hilaritybites.co.uk/show/topcliffe-may-8th-2025/
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Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall Committee
The Village Hall AGM will be held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 13 May in the hall. It will be followed by a regular bi-monthly meeting of the committee. Members of the public are welcome to attend these meetings.
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St Columba’s Special Events
On Thursday 22 May at 6pm St Columba’s Choir will once again sing Evensong at the church of Christ the Consoler in the grounds of Newby Hall, accessed from Skelton-on-Ure. Everyone is most welcome to enjoy the opportunity to visit this spectacular high Victorian church which is now maintained by the Historic Churches Trust having been closed some years ago for regular worship. Parking available.
To celebrate St Columba’s Day on Sunday 8 June there’ll be a special Choral Eucharist service at 10.45am led by Rev Robert Williamson. It will be followed by the usual family BBQ at 1pm and during the afternoon there’ll be visits to the top of the church tower and history tours around the church. It’s possible that more events to enhance the celebration will be announced later.
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Bees and Brunch
If you are a budding beekeeper you might want to attend one of these events planned at the Catton Kitchen over the summer months. Amy and Hugo are organising Bees and Brunch events on Saturday 14 June, Saturday 12 July, Saturday 9 August and Saturday 13 September. Some days are nearly fully booked, but please call to check availability. 07747 083155.
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Chip ‘n’ Dales
The Chip ‘n’ Dales fish and chip van is now back in Topcliffe every Friday 5 to 7pm.
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Local traders and businesses
See here for a list of businesses and traders based in or close to Topcliffe.
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Thirsk Digital Hub
The Digital Hub, which operates at Thirsk Community Library, is a resource to help people who need a little support to understand and handle their digital activities. Digital Buddies are there to assist with queries every Monday and Thursday, and every second Saturday of the month there’s a Digital Cafe at which you can get support whilst enjoying some refreshments.
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Rural Arts Summer Programme
Thirsk-based Rural Arts has published its summer programme and it contains a fantastic mix of workshops, craft and art classes, musical events and performance. There’s something for all age groups – from children’s pre-school activities through to ‘those of a certain age’. The programme is too large to list in the Sunday Email but you can check out what’s on by popping in to The Courthouse on Westgate or checking out their website: https://www.ruralarts.org/whats-on/
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Byland Abbey Tours
Byland Abbey is now open through to October. Volunteers at the English Heritage site will normally be on site, and the museum open, from 1pm to 5pm every Friday to Monday. And abbey tours, lasting about an hour, will take place at 2pm every Saturday and Sunday. These tours are free and do not need to be booked. There are also some special events coming up:
- World Heritage Day – 18 April
- Great Big Green Week – 8 June
- Festival of Archaeology – 27 July
For more information about this famous abbey and the tours, please contact sam.macfie@english-heritage.org.uk
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Ripon Big Sky Wheel
The Ripon Big Sky Wheel, temporarily located on Ripon Market Place until Sunday 27 April offers panoramic city views, towering above the obelisk and providing unique perspectives of Ripon’s landmarks. 11am-7pm daily. £5 (under 1.4m) or £7 (over 1.4m). No booking, just turn up.
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The Ritz Cinema
- Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy – Sunday 13 to Thursday 17 April.
- Snow White – Friday 18 to Thursday 24 April – matinees on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 April.
Opening times: Evenings – doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm. Matinees – doors open at 2pm for 2.30pm. You can now book online at https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/
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Easter Base Camps
Bookings are now open for places on the Base Camps being held at Baldersby Park over the Easter school holidays. Here’s what is happening:
- Monday 14 April – Forage, fire and cooking – 7 to 13 year-olds.
- Tuesday 15 April – Archery and den building – 7 to 13 year-olds.
- Thursday 17 April – Spring treasure hunt and nest-making – 5 to 11 year-olds.
£3 per session. Book via https://www.basecamplearning.co.uk/
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Chinese Cooking Class for Adults
The Chinese cooking class being held in the Village Hall on Wednesday 16 April is now discounted to £45 if you use discount code Top10 when booking. Come and learn to make some of your favorite authentic Chinese dishes. On the menu will be wontons, bao buns, Dan Dan noodles and Chinese Cookies. 6pm – 9pm. Book at: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/lordys-thrive-kitchen/chinese-cooking-class-with-chris-lord/e-pvzavb
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James Herriot Walking Tour
A unique opportunity to explore the hometown of the world-famous veterinary surgeon and author, Alf Wight OBE, better known by his pen name, James Herriot. Start at World of James Herriot, Kirkgate, at 12 noon and lasting around two hours on Friday 18 April. Free for this tour, but future tours will be £5, or £10 with Herriot Museum entry. Tickets 01845 524234 or online at http://www.visitthirsk.uk/herriotwalkingtour
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Dalton Village Hall – Easter Egg Hunt
Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday 19 April starting at 11am through to 3pm at Dalton Village Hall.
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Thirsk Easter Walking Tours
Thirsk through the ages Easter walking tours will provide a fascinating insight of Thirsk through the ages. Imagine how Thirsk marketplace might have looked in 1145 or hear about the brutal marketplace barber surgeons who could cut your hair for Easter and extract a tooth at the same time. Or consider why people crawled on their hands and knees at Easter or what the shocking ‘hocking’ practice that took place at Easter in the ginnels of Thirsk was all about and why it was eventually banned. Oh, and did you know that Thirsk had its own hermit or that a strange ancient 7ft skeleton was found in the town?
These are just a few of the fascinating things you’ll hear about on these 1.5 hour tours that take place on Saturday 19 April and Sunday 20 April. Meet at Thirsk’s Information Centre in the Market Place (in front of the door) at 11am and please wear sensible shoes. No fixed price but donations gratefully received.
07467 696486.
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Thirsk Artisan Market
An artisan market that wants to help serve local communities with the best artisan stalls, whilst giving traders the best opportunities to showcase and sell their handmade goods. Sunday 20 April from 10am until 3pm on Thirsk Market Place.
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Historic Vehicle Rally
Newby Hall will be surrounded by vintage and classic cars, for the North’s biggest one-day car show. being held on Sunday 20 April. Over 1,000 exhibitors. 10am-3pm. £14, Child (4-15) £9, Family (2+2) £40, under 4s free. Tickets: Book online (cheapest) – http://www.newbyhall.com/event
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Jigsaw Puzzle Exchange
The Coffee and Chatter Group that meets in St James’ Church at Baldersby St James will be holding jigsaw puzzle exchanges on the fourth Tuesday of each month. The next ‘exchange’ is on Tuesday 22 April between 10am and 12 noon. Please take along any puzzles that you would like to swap. This is a great opportunity to obtain new ones without having to buy them.
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Racing in Thirsk
An evening of racing on Tuesday 22 April. Gates open 3.00pm, First Race 4.55pm, Last Race 8.00pm. From £15, Family £25, Seniors £12, Child (0-17) Free. Tickets: Book online (cheapest) – http://www.thirskracecourse.net
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Harrogate Spring Flower Show
With over seventy plant nurseries and societies as well as inspiring show garden designs and beautiful floral art to discover, there will be plenty to put a spring in your step and everything you need to plan and plant the perfect outdoor space at the Harrogate Spring Flower Show. It’s on from Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 April at Harrogate Showground. Book your tickets now and enjoy a £5 discount per adult ticket – offer available for a limited time only.
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The Evolution of the Garden
Thirsk Hall’s garden has changed over several generations, with keen gardeners each adding something unique to the development of the estate. This tour, to be held on Friday 25 April at 11am, will offer a tantalising glimpse into the history of the house and the family by looking at its evolution from grazing land to sculpture garden and all the bits in between. Tickets £20: Book online at http://www.thirskhall.com/events
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Haunted Thirsk Guided Tour
Explore the ancient areas of this beautiful market town and discover its haunting tales. Friday 25 April at 7pm (meet at 6.55pm at The Town Clock, Market Place, Thirsk). Rob your guide will meet you whatever the weather. Tour lasts approximately 75 minutes. Pre-booking required. Adults £9. Concessions £7 – under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Tel: 07876 010835 or email tina@historicexperiences.com.
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Repair your stuff
Be greener by avoiding waste and save money by letting a team of dedicated and talented volunteers try to repair your broken or ‘worn-out’ items for a voluntary donation. It’s on at Thirsk Community Library, Chapel Street between 10am and 1pm on Saturday 26 April.
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The Busby & Me
Meet Wade Radford, film maker of ‘The Busby & Me’, who will be joining Thirsk Museum, Kirkgate on Monday 28 April from 10.30am to 3pm to discuss all things about the Busby Stoop chair. This will include scans from his personal archives, including original sketches of the spirits of the Busby Stoop Inn. Donations to the Museum.
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Dishfest
DishFest is making a grand return this summer with a new-look festival on Saturday 31 May. The organisers are cranking it up with fresh musicians, a DJ extravaganza, and a whole new setup that’ll make your heart sing. Get ready for an afternoon into the evening filled with music, street food, beer marquee with seating and good vibes. It will all take place on the afternoon and through to the evening, on the Dishforth Playing Fields. Bring your own table and chairs, but please do not bring your own alcohol on site.
Tickets are limited and the event did sell out last year, so don’t leave it too late to book. Go online at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dishfest-2025-tickets-1288240896199?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1
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Pop-Up Fashion Show
The Friends of Topcliffe School are holding a Pop-up Shop and Fun Fashion Show at Dalton Village Hall at 7pm on Thursday 1 May. You’ll be able to shop for all your favourite high street brands at a remarkable 70% off. For tickets and more information please contact Karen on 07875 331227 or see the ‘Friends’ Facebook page.
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Concerts and Events at Ripon Cathedral
- Queen by Candlelight – Friday 16 May at 7.30pm.
- Country by Candlelight – Saturday 17 May at 7.30pm
- Coldplay by Candlelight – Friday 18 July at 7.30pm.
- U2 by Candlelight – Friday 8 August at 7.30pm.
Book online at https://riponcathedral.org.uk/whats-on/
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Thirsk Hall history and architecture tours
Following the sell-out success of the House & Architecture tour of Thirsk Hall to be led by historian Dr Helen Metcalfe on 23 March, three more tour dates have been announced. They are Friday 23 May at 10.30am and 2pm and Friday 25 July at 2.30pm. Please note that the number of tickets available is very limited and that tickets for the last tour sold out very quickly. Get yours, priced £20 from https://shop.beyonk.com/8p9ern3j/experiences/08docpwq
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Quiz answers
1. Graham Taylor
2. Edward II
3. Whirlwind or Dust Devil
4. Boris Karloff
5. None. It was cancelled
6. Ben Gurion.
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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